The Oklahoma Sooners suffered a crushing defeat at home on Saturday night, falling 82-79 to the LSU Tigers in a dramatic finish at the Lloyd Noble Center. Despite holding a commanding 13-point lead in the second half and a five-point advantage with under 25 seconds remaining, the Sooners were unable to close out the game. LSU’s Cam Carter delivered a heroic performance, scoring 29 points, including a four-point play and a game-winning three-point play in the final moments, to snap the Tigers’ seven-game losing streak and hand Oklahoma its fourth straight loss.
Second-Half Collapse Costs Sooners
Oklahoma (16-9, 3-9 SEC) appeared to be in control for much of the contest, leading 44-31 early in the second half. The Sooners dominated the glass, outrebounding LSU 43-28, and converted 26-of-32 free throws. However, a combination of defensive lapses, costly turnovers, and a scorching-hot second half from Carter allowed LSU to claw its way back into the game.
LSU (13-12, 2-10 SEC) caught fire offensively, making 10 consecutive shots at one point, with Carter’s three-pointer at the 7:02 mark giving the Tigers their first lead since the opening basket. The Tigers outscored the Sooners 53-44 in the second half, capitalizing on Oklahoma’s missed opportunities down the stretch.
Cam Carter’s Heroics Steal the Show
Carter was virtually unstoppable, dropping a career-high 29 points while shooting 10-of-17 from the field, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He saved his best for last, knocking down a clutch three-pointer while drawing a foul with 20.9 seconds remaining. Carter sank the free throw, trimming Oklahoma’s lead to just one.
TOOK OVER. 😤
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) February 16, 2025
Cam Carter rallied LSU with a four-point play and a three-point play in the final 20 seconds! 🤯@LSUBasketball x #SECMBB pic.twitter.com/tLZZoaTwuA
On the ensuing possession, Oklahoma’s Jalon Moore attempted an inbound pass, but it was intercepted by LSU’s Curtis Givens III, who quickly fed Carter for an and-one layup. Carter converted yet another free throw, putting the Tigers ahead 81-79 with eight seconds remaining. The Sooners had one final chance to force overtime or win the game, but freshman guard Jeremiah Fears missed a contested layup, sealing Oklahoma’s fate.
Fears’ Strong Performance Not Enough
Despite the heartbreaking finish, Fears showcased his ability to attack the basket, leading Oklahoma with 15 points and five rebounds. After a slow first half, he found his rhythm, blowing past LSU defenders and keeping the Sooners’ offense afloat.
Moore added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Duke Miles contributed 12 points, with both Moore and Miles going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. However, Oklahoma’s inability to knock down perimeter shots proved costly, as they shot just 3-of-18 (17%) from three-point range.
Bracketology Implications and Tough Road Ahead
The loss could have major implications for Oklahoma’s NCAA Tournament hopes. Prior to the game, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi had the Sooners listed among the “last four teams with a bye” and projected them as a No. 10 seed. With another Quad 2 loss, their standing could take a hit, especially given their upcoming brutal stretch.
Oklahoma’s next five games are against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. The Sooners travel to No. 3 Florida on Tuesday before returning home to face Mississippi State and No. 15 Kentucky. They then go back on the road against No. 22 Ole Miss before hosting No. 21 Missouri.
Porter Moser: ‘We Have to Learn How to Close Out Games’
Head coach Porter Moser did not mince words in his postgame press conference, expressing frustration over the team’s inability to finish strong.
“Very, very, very tough loss,” Moser said. “We got into that tight situation, and we had a complete meltdown. We fouled four three-point shooters tonight—that’s just mental lapses. You can’t do that and expect to win games in this league.”
Moser also emphasized the need for leadership and composure in high-pressure moments, saying, “We have a path. It’s our path. But it’s an attainable path. That’s the belief. … Our confidence right now is cracked, and we gotta get it back.”
Looking Ahead
The Sooners now find themselves in a precarious position as they enter the toughest portion of their schedule. Their matchup against No. 3 Florida on Tuesday (6 p.m. CT, ESPN2) will be a massive test. If Oklahoma hopes to solidify its tournament resume, it must quickly shake off this devastating loss and find ways to close out games more effectively.
As the season enters its final stretch, the Sooners’ margin for error continues to shrink. Can they regroup and make a push for the NCAA Tournament, or will their recent struggles prove too much to overcome?
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